Strong defenses clash in SEC showdown

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. --- When they last met, Alabama vs. Louisiana State University was all about Nick Saban coaching against his former team.

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AP / File

Alabama running back Mark Ingram is averaging 125 yards on the ground this season.

This year, there's more pressing business: keeping in the mix to play for the national title.

Two top-10 Southeastern Conference teams meet today, with a pair formidable defenses and one Heisman Trophy candidate in a game that might be low on points if not drama.

Yes, again.

The first such rendezvous this season resulted in one touchdown and a 13-3 victory by Tim Tebow and No. 1 Florida over then-No. 4 LSU.

Today's matchup between ninth-ranked LSU and No. 3 Alabama has all the makings of a similarly defensive clash. And the stakes are at least as high.

It's enough to make swashbuckling LSU coach Les Miles embrace a kick.

"If you punt it and go play defense, that's a good choice," Miles said. "There is nothing wrong with that."

Warm up those legs, P.J. Fitzgerald and Derek Helton. The way these defenses are playing, it could be a busy day for the punters.

Alabama (8-0, 5-0) allows the fifth-fewest points a game in the nation and has given up just one touchdown in the past three games. Only Texas is stingier against the run.

LSU (7-1, 4-1) sports the No. 7 scoring defense, has given up 36 points in its past four games and is coming off a shutout of Tulane.

The game could determine who plays Florida in the SEC Championship Game. It will definitely be Alabama if the Tide wins. If the Tigers win, they clinch the rematch with wins against Mississippi and Arkansas.

Either way, the survivor is still in the mix for a national title shot.

Miles looks at an Alabama team led by linebacker Rolando McClain and nose guard Terrence Cody on defense and relentless runner Mark Ingram -- widely considered a Heisman candidate -- on offense and concludes: "There are no weaknesses."

The defense certainly hasn't shown many. The Tide allows 65 yards a game rushing and has given up only one TD on the ground in the past seven games. Alabama's 23 sacks are tied for the league lead with Mississippi and Florida, which racked up five sacks against LSU.

Saban has stuck to his standard message this week: Focus on the process, not the results.

"I know it's a result world, but great competitors don't focus on the results they focus on what they need to do to get the results," he said.